The Czech Republic is ramping up ammunition supplies for the Ukrainian army, promising to send 100,000 shells by the end of summer. Eighteen countries have joined the Czech initiative, allocating over 2 billion euros for the purchase of 500,000 shells. The Czech Republic plans to accelerate ammunition deliveries from September and is seeking funding to continue the initiative through 2025. Russia is trying to disrupt the initiative and is competing for the purchase of shells.
The Czech Republic will send 100,000 shells to the Ukrainian army in July and August as part of its ammunition initiative. Eighteen countries have already joined the program, with 15 making financial contributions. This was announced by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský.
The Czech ammunition initiative Lipavský noted that deliveries will accelerate from September. Additionally, the Czech Republic is already seeking funds to continue this initiative into 2025. So far, the participating countries have allocated less than 2 billion euros, enough to purchase 500,000 shells. By the end of the year, Prague plans to deliver 800,000 rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian army.
Jan Lipavský mentioned that countries involved in this initiative can send a representative to the Czech Ministry of Defense to receive all the details. The initiative and the expenditure of funds are transparent. The Czech Foreign Minister emphasized that shells are available on the market, but the financial aspect remains open. “It’s important to highlight that there are actually clear figures of millions of shells that can be delivered within the next 12 to 18 months,” said the minister.
Where the Czech Republic is purchasing shells for Ukraine remains a secret. Lipavský noted that Russia is trying to sabotage this initiative and is willing to pay suppliers more to secure more shells for itself.
Notably, Ukraine and the Czech Republic recently signed a security agreement. It includes points on continued support for Ukraine, strengthening cooperation in the military-technical field, primarily regarding small and large-caliber ammunition, and joint production.
